5 Common Questions About Preschoolers and Masturbation

It’s hard to know how much exploration of private parts and sexuality is appropriate for preschoolers. A little curiosity is perfectly normal, but many Circle of Moms members wonder where the line between normal and concerning lies. To ease your mind, here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers on the subject.

Answer: Exploration of the body is a normal part of preschooler development. Once children notice their private parts, they’re likely to be curious about what those parts do. A number of moms chimed in to help Amara, any many are express the opinion that what her son is doing isn’t exactly masturbation.

Answer #2: Others moms, including occupational therapist Christine C., look at the issue from a different angle entirely. As she points out, “It might be a sensory issue. Kids sometimes rub and touch things to stimulate themselves. It acts as a way to soothe or calm themselves.” Christine suggests that Crystal give her daughter other ways to tickle herself, like holding a beanbag or using a feather on her arm, to reduce the concerning behavior.

Answer: The general consensus is to talk to your child about privacy and good touches vs. bad touches without making him feel as though he’s done something wrong. Jennifer R., a Circle of Moms member who is also an experienced early childhood teacher, suggests encouraging your child to to talk with you about it.